If being addicted to sports is a drug then I'm Lindsay Lohan and Lawrence Taylor combined
I express my views in the world of sports. Mainly College Basketball, NBA, NFL, Fantasy Sports and the NFL and NBA Drafts.

Friday, June 14, 2013

2013 NBA DRAFT: MOCK DRAFT 1.0 (with no projected trades)

Thank you to Walter Football for adding my mock to their great NBA Mock Draft Database. http://walterfootball.com/nbadraftdata.php1. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS-OTTO PORTER-SF-GEORGETOWN-SO.6-9/198 NBA COMPARISON: LUOL DENG/JEFF GREEN
I think the Cavs and owner Dan Gilbert feel they are close to being a playoff team. Therefore, I think Porter is the logical choice here. Unlike Nerlens Noel, Porter can provide an immediate impact at the 3 spot. PG Kyrie Irving is an emerging star. PF Tristan Thompson and SG Dion Waiters are solid role players. They really need a jack of all trades type of player like Porter to get them to the next level. Porter should have a similar impact that Harrison Barnes had with Golden State as a rookie last year. Many including myself had projected the Cavs to draft Barnes over Dion Waiters in the 2012 draft.

2. ORLANDO MAGIC-BEN McLEMORE-SG-KANSAS-FR. 6-5/189 NBA COMPARISON: JR SMITH/KLAY THOMPSON
McLemore said that he would be a "perfect fit" in Orlando and I agree. The Magic need scorers and guys who can create their own shot. With McLemore, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and Moe Harkless the Magic have some solid young role players to build around. They will need to wait to the star studded draft of 2014 to find a true star to build around.

3. WASHINGTON WIZARDS-ANTHONY BENNETT-PF-UNLV-FR. 6-7/242 NBA COMPARISON: ELTON BRAND/PAUL MILLSAP
I understand the Noel has more 'upside" argument, but Bennett has a NBA ready body (6-7/242 with a 9-1 standing reach) and NBA ready game. As a Freshman Bennett was the leading scorer and rebounder on a veteran UNLV team that was in the top 25 most of the season. Bennett's body type and game are very similar to Elton Brand and Paul Millsap. Unlike the other teams picking in the top 8, the Wizards are very close to being a playoff team. Bennett can come off the bench a provide offense and rebounding ability as a rookie playing behind solid yet aging vets Nene and Emeka Okafor.

4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS-NERLENS NOEL-F/C-UK-FR.7-0/206 NBA COMPARISON: LARRY SANDERS
Hello Mr. Noel, goodbye Bismack Biyombo!!! The Bobcats have a need at every position other than PG. Noel makes sense as the Bobcats are young team that is not in 'win now' mode. They can afford to be patient with Noel. Noel along with last year's #2 pick Michael Kidd Gilchrist are both great defenders that need a lot of work offensively. Regardless of who they draft at #4 the Bobcats will struggle once again next year. They will hope to get a franchise player in the 2014 draft like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Glenn Robinson III or Marcus Teague.

5. PHOENIX SUNS-VICTOR OLADIPO-SG-INDIANA-JR.6-4/213 NBA COMPARISON: TONY ALLEN
The Suns are in an ideal spot at #5 to fill their need at SG or get a solid role playing PF to compliment Marcin Gortat. If Oladipo or McLemore are there at #5 expect the Suns to waste no time making the pick. Oladipo is an elite athlete and great defender. He is also a high character guy with a team first mentality. If he makes it past the top 3 picks, look for both Minnesota and Sacramento to possibly move up with Charlotte to take him before Phoenix can.

6. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS-ALEX LEN-C-MARYLAND-SO. 7-2/255 NBA COMPARISON: RICK SMITS
Why does every mock draft have New Orleans taking Trey Burke? Does no one realize that PG Greivis Vasquez led the NBA in total assists with 704 and finished 3rd in assists per game with 9.0 only behind Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul. The newly named Pelicans need a true center to complement last year's #1 pick Anthony Davis. Len is a big body (7-2/255) with a developing back to the basket offensive game.

7. SACRAMENTO KINGS-SHABAZZ MUHAMMMED-SF-UCLA-FR. 6-6/222 NBA COMPARISON: CORY MAGGETTE
Muhammed was a projected top 3 pick coming into the season but struggled with inconsistency as a Freshman at UCLA last year. He has talent but also has some character red flags. I don't think he deserves to be a top 15 pick but the Kings have proved by drafting immature guys like DeMarcus Cousins that they may look past character concerns. Muhammed had a good workout with the Kings http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/10/5486449/shabazz-muhammad-takes-part-in.html. The Kings need help at the 3 as 32 year old John Salmons is the incumbent starter.

8. DETROIT PISTONS-MICHAEL CARTER WILLIAMS-PG-SYRACUSE-SO.6-6/184 NBA COMPARISON: GREIVIS VASQUEZ/poor man's PENNY HARDAWAY
I feel that MCW will end up having the best career out of any prosepect. He is a pass first PG that is big and athletic enough to guard 2 guards. His offensive game is similar to Greivis Vasquez coming out of college, yet he is much more athletic. 6-6 PG's with MCW's passing ability come along once every decade. Drafting MCW would be a smart move for Detroit as this would allow young guard Brandon Knight to play off the ball. Knight has proved ineffective as a PG the past two seasons and would benefit from having a big PG that can guard the 2 spot.

9. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES-CJ McCOLLUM-CG-LEHIGH-SR.6-3/197 NBA COMPARISON: BOBBY JACKSON
Minnesota will likely try to package the #9 pick along with young asset Derrick Williams and the expiring contract of Luke Ridnour to move up to get either McLemore or Oladipo. The TWolves are set at PF Kevin Love, PG Ricky Rubio and C Nikola Pekovic (who is a free agent) but they need a starting 2 guard that can score. Despite being undersized, McCollum would be a good complement to Rubio. McCollum at the very least can come off the bench and provide instant offense.

10. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS-CODY ZELLER-C/F-INDIANA-SO. 7-0/230 NBA COMPARISON: DAVID LEE
With the offensive, fundamental Zeller and the raw, physical, defensive Myers Leonard the Blazers can have two solid options at the center position that provide different skill sets. This would be very similar to how the Nuggets use Kosta Koufas and JaVale McGee. Zeller really helped his stock at the draft combine measuring 7-0/230 and showing great athletic ability with a 37.5 inch max vert and putting up 17 reps on the bench. If Zeller can add some toughness and a consistent mid range game, he could end up being the best overall player in this draft.

11. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS-TREY BURKE-PG-MICHIGAN-SO.6-1/187 NBA COMPARISON: JAMEER NELSON/KEMBA WALKER
A lot of people have Burke in the top 8. I think his physical limitations make him a big risk in the top 8. He would be a good fit in Philly to back up PG Jrue Holiday (who averaged nearly 40 minutes per game last year. At 6-4/205, Holiday is big enough to play the 2 guard, so Philly could use Burke and Holiday together in certain lineups. Burke has all the intangibles you look for in a floor general, but his height and lack of elite NBA level quickness may regulate him to a career back up.

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER-STEVEN ADAMS-C-PITTSBURGH-FR. 7-0/255 NBA COMPARISON: BJ MULLENS/ANDREW BOGUT
The Thunder are the only team picking in the lottery that can have the patience to wait for the raw big man from New Zealand. Adams is 7-0/255 big man that could one day possibly provide the what Aussie big man Andrew Bogut provides the Warriors. The Thunder need an upgrade over Kendrick Perkins sooner rather than later.

13. DALLAS MAVERICKS-LUCAS NOGUEIRA-C-BRAZIL-INT.7-0/220 NBA COMPARISON: SAMUEL DALEMBERT/EKPE UDOH
The Mavs will try to trade this pick and the expiring contract of Shawn Marion in order to free up cap space this summer to make a run at Dwight Howard and/or Chris Paul. At the very least owner Mark Cuban will be able to sign a Josh Smith or Al Jefferson. If the Mavs keep the pick they will take a foreign player like Saric and keep him overseas for a season or two. 'Bebe' as he is known in Brazil may one day end up developing into a very good shot blocker and rebounder. Like other Brazilian big men, Anderson Varejao and Tiago Splitter, Bebe runs the floor very well.

14. UTAH JAZZ-SHANE LARKIN-PG-MIAMI-SO. 5-11/171 NBA COMPARISON: ERIC BLEDSOE/NATE ROBINSON
Larkin was the biggest winner of the NBA draft combine. Larkin led everyone at the combine with an incredible 44 inch max vert. His size and athletic ability are similar to that of former slam dunk champion Nate Robinson. Larkin however has a much higher basketball IQ and is a lot better than Nate was coming out of Washington in 2005. The Jazz are going to be one of the youngest teams in the league if they let both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap leave in free agency. They have nice young role players with F/G Gordon Hayward, PF Derrick Favors and C Enes Kanter, adding a mature PG with a high basketball IQ and leadership abilities like Larkin would be the smart move. They may also try to trade up to get MCW or Burke.

15. MILWAUKEE BUCKS-JAMAL FRANKLIN-SG-SAN DIEGO ST.-JR. 6-5/191 NBA COMPARISON: COREY BREWER/TONY ALLEN
There's a good chance both Monta Ellis and JJ Redick leave via free agency this summer. The Bucks would be smart to draft the defensive minded, athletic Franklin to pair with 'Sir Chucks A Lot' Brandon Jennings. Franklin's game is very similar and just a notch below Victor Oladipo. Like former San Diego St. product Kawhi Leonard, he could end up being a major steal at #15.

16. BOSTON CELTICS-DENNIS SCHROEDER-PG-GERMANY-INT. 6-2/165 NBA COMPARISON: DARREN COLLISON
The Celtics need a backup PG to complement/relieve star Rajon Rondo. Schroeder is a raw, athlete that given the right environment can succeed at the NBA level. If he's thrown in the fire too early, he will be a bust. Going to a franchise like Boston would be the best thing for him.

17. ATLANTA HAWKS-KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL POPE-SG-GEORGIA-SO6-6/204 NBA COMPARISON: NICK YOUNG
KCP is a local product that can give his home state team a scorer at the 2 guard. The Hawks need it after trading Joe Johnson to Brooklyn. The Hawks may be in rebuilding mode if Josh Smith leaves this summer. If that is the case, then KCP will have a chance to earn major minutes right away.

18. ATLANTA HAWKS-GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO-SF-GREECE-INT.6-9/205 NBA COMPARISON: NIC BATUM/MARVIN WILLIAMS
With back to back first rounders, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Hawks take an international player and keep him overseas for a season or two. GA the Greek (that is what I will call him now, please someone come up with a nickname soon!!!) is an ultra long 3 that has a lot of potential. He is only 19 years old and has never played against top competition. He will need more time than any of the other foreign prospects to develop, but he also has the biggest upside.

19. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS-KELLY OLYNYK-C/F-GONZAGA-SO. 7-0/234 NBA COMPARISON: SPENCER HAWES/MATT BONNER
Olynyk is projected by some to be a lottery pick, but his athletic limitations and lack of intensity make him a prototypical back up. The good thing is that he has the size to back up at both the 4 and 5. With two guards that can get to the rim at will in Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, Cleveland could use a big man that can stretch the floor. Olynyk is good value here, as a top 10 pick, he will almost certainly be a bust.

20. CHICAGO BULLS-MASON PLUMLEE-C-DUKE-SR.7-0/238 NBA COMPARISON: ROBIN LOPEZ/CHRIS 'BIRDMAN' ANDERSON
Plumlee is a NBA ready big man that can provide an instant impact as a backup center. The Bulls need insurance with Joakim Noah's planter fasciitis. Every contender in the East could use an instant impact big like Plumlee, so the Bulls would be wise to draft him before he gets to Indiana or New York.

21. UTAH JAZZ-GLENN RICE JR.-SG/SF-NBADL6-6/211 NBA COMPARISON: DORRELL WRIGHT
He is the son of former all star and early Miami Heat legend Glenn Rice. Like his dad, he is a knock down shooter with size to play both the 2 and 3. Rice Jr. has some character concerns stemming from some incidents at Georgia Tech. He has revitalized his game and hopefully his maturity in the D-League this past year. In the D-League he was nearly unstoppable at times. The best thing for Rice would be to land in a small market like Utah or Indiana where he won't have as much opportunity to get into trouble off the court.

22. BROOKLYN NETS-SERGEY KARASEV-SF/SG-RUSSIA-INT. 6-7/197 NBA COMPARISON: GORDON HAYWARD
The Nets and their Russian billionaire owner get the best Russian prospect since Andrei Kirilenko. Karasev is a young, developing wing with a great shooting stroke. He is also a good ball handler and passer for someone his size.

23. INDIANA PACERS-TIM HARDAWAY JR.-SG-MICHIGAN-JR. 6-6/199 NBA COMPARISON: DANNY GREEN/AARON AFFALO
Unlike Glenn Rice Jr., Hardaway Jr. plays a game that is very different from his famous father. Hardaway Sr. was a flashy PG and the king of the crossover. The younger Hardaway is a spot up shooter with a high basketball IQ. I made the Danny Green comparison because both players are similar in size and have the ability to hit clutch shots. Indiana needs some depth on the wings behind Paul George and Lance Stephenson.

24. NEW YORK KNICKS-TONY MITCHELL-CF-NORTH TEXAS-SO. 6-9/236 NBA COMPARISON: THADDEUS YOUNG/ANTHONY MASON
Shot blocking centers Gorgui Dieng, Jeff Withey and Rudy Gobert would make a lot of sense as a backup to Tyson Chandler. However, Mitchell is too good to pass up here. He can bring the Knicks some physicality and athleticism they need. He can compliment Carmelo Anthony very well in that he can do the little things. The Knicks can play Melo at the 4 and Mitchell at the 3 together or have Mitchell backup the 4. Mitchell's game is similar to that of former Knick Anthony Mason.

25. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS-ALLEN CRABBE-SG-CAL-JR.6-6/197 NBA COMPARISON: FRANCISCO GARCIA/COURTNEY LEE
The Clippers need an offensive 2 guard for the future as Chauncey Billups is set to be a free agent and is 36 years old. Crabbe is a knock down shooter that is good at catch and shoot and coming off of screens. His dribbling is below average and he'll struggle to create his shot in the NBA. He won't need to create his shot if he is playing alongside Chris Paul.

26. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES-GORGUI DIENG-C-LOUISVILLE-SR. 6-11/230 NBA COMPARISON: ANDERSON VAREJO
Dieng will be a good back up center in the NBA. He knows how to play well in the team setting and will not play outside of his game. He gives you rebounding, shot blocking and an ever improving mid range jumper. He is also a good passer for a big and runs the floor well. He has ZERO post game. He will be used best if he lands on a team as a backup center in a second unit that likes to run the floor.

27. DENVER NUGGETS-RUDY GOBERT-C-FRANCE-INT.7-2/238 NBA COMPARISON: SHAWN BRADLEY
You can't teach Gobert's length. He has a freakish 7-9 wingspan and a 9-7 standing reach. He can provide insurance of JaVale McGee gets out of line or goes insane (both very likely). The Nuggets would prefer to keep him overseas at least one more season.

28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS-LIVIO JEAN CHARLES-SF-FRANCE-INT. 6-9/217 NBA COMPARISON: GERALD WALLACE
The French Connection (not just a classic crime movie) is what the Spurs have. Tony Parker, Boris (I have man boobs) Diaw and Nando de Colo. It only makes sense for the Spurs to take Jean-Charles here. He is a long athletic defender that has been compared by some to Nic Batum. I don't know if he'll ever develop a jumper like Batum but that's OK because the Spurs already have great shooters on the wings with Danny Green, Gary Neal and Kawhi Leonard.

29. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER-TONY SNELL-SF-NEW MEXICO-JR.6-7/198 NBA COMPARISON: MARTELL WEBSTER
You can never have enough shooters when you have a team with two guys that command double teams in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Shooters with Snell's length are even more in demand in today's NBA.

30. PHOENIX SUNS-JEFF WITHEY-C-KANSAS-SR. 7-0/222 NBA COMPARISON: THEO RATLIFF/TRAVIS KNIGHT
Another slim shot blocker. The Suns could use a solid backup for Marcin Gortat. Having played four years at Kansas, Withey is the most NBA ready of any of the shot blocking back up centers.